Samsung Electronics this week introduced its new hybrid smartphone, the Galaxy Note II. The new "phablet" supports all the premium technologies that Samsung introduced this year - like quad-core system-on-chip, 4G/LTE, multi-tasking in select apps -  in addition to redesigned stylus as well as all-new 5.5" screen and ultra high-capacity batter. The novelty will be available in November.

“The original Galaxy Note created a new category of smartphones by combining the best of a smartphone with the best of a tablet. In less than a year, Samsung sold more than 10 million globally demonstrating the category is taking hold. The new Galaxy Note II is a significant leap forward for the category,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America.

The Galaxy Note is based on quad-core Samsung Exynos 4412 (four ARM Cortex-A9 cores clocked at 1.6GHz, ARM Mali-400MP graphics engine), is equipped with 5.55” multi-touch LCD screen with 1280*720 resolution; 2GB of LPDDR2 RAM, 16GB/32GB/64GB of flash storage; Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth and GSM/HSPA+/GPRS/HSUPA/LTE connectivity. The smartphone features a 8MP rear camera and a 1.9MP front cameras. The device sports massive 3100mAh battery. The Galaxy Note II comes with installed Google Android 4.1.1 "Jelly Bean" operating system.

One of the features that distinguishes Galaxy Note II from all other smartphones on the market is Multiscreen feature, which allows users to actually operate two different apps side-by-side, simultaneously, on the same screen. Apps supported for Multiscreen are Popup Note, Popup Video and an Internet Browser.

Despite the much larger battery, the device weighs slightly less than the original Galaxy Note. As a result of a narrower bezel on all four sides of the screen, the screen is larger but the overall device is narrower. The Galaxy Note II also features redesigned S Pen stylus that has a button for gestures and an eraser tip for easy corrections.

Samsung Galaxy Note II will be in the U.S. with five major carriers by mid-November. Exact pricing and retail availability will be announced by each of the carriers. The Galaxy Note II will be available in Marble White and Titanium Gray color options. In addition, Samsung will offer protective flip covers (7 colors will be available) with a premium leather front and glossy backing.

Tags: Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy Note, Android, Google